Parks Prescription
The purpose of the Parks Prescription Program is to increase the number of healthcare providers that prescribe time in nature at parks. Spending time in nature has shown to improve physical and mental wellness and help prevent and manage chronic conditions. The program is a free intervention that uses parks to positively influence health outcomes
Austin Parks and Recreation invests in the health of our community. Spending time outdoors, especially in natural settings, has significant health benefits including improvements to the physical and mental well-being of individuals, families and communities as well as the environment.
Nature is Community
Nature's Side Effects
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Better Mood | Improved Heart Health | Increased Energy | Social Engagement |
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Improved Memory | Improved Sleep | Longer Life | Reduction of Pain |
Getting Started
Want to get started enjoying or prescribing the health benefits of nature? Select one of the buttons below for patients and providers to learn more.
- Existing Parks Prescription Programs
- Park Prescription Materials
- Nature Benefits Poster Series
- Nature Benefits Posters Series en Español
- Parks Prescription Newsletters
- May 2023
- June 2023
- July 2023
- August 2023
- September 2023
- October 2023
- November 2023
- December 2023
- January 2024
- February 2024
- March 2024
- June 2024
- July 2024
- August 2024
- September 2024
- October 2024
- November 2024
- December 2024
- January 2025
- February 2025
- March 2025
- May 2025
- June 2025
- July 2025
- August 2025
- September 2025
- January 2026
- February 2026
- Park Activities
My Austin Parks Guide
The My Austin Parks Guide is a map to local parks with their amenities, ADA accessibility and transportation options. The maps contain bus routes, bike friendly roads, and how to access the park by foot.
- My Austin Parks (MAP) Guia en Español
- My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Chinese - 中文
- My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Vietnamese
- My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in English
- My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Korean - 한국어
Loose Parts Kits are a collection of items that are used to build and create in a free, unstructured environment that promote creativity, imagination, cooperation and communication, and fosters connection to nature and stewardship values.
Find more FREE FITNESS by visiting one of our recreation centers with exercise equipment and weight room hours, view open gym schedule and fitness room hours. Call site to confirm the schedule has not changed.